What's happening
This bill allows high school students in New York to earn academic credit toward graduation for internships and other practical experiences.
Why it matters
Expands Pathways to Graduation. By allowing internships and out-of-school experiences to count for academic credit, the bill recognizes that valuable learning happens outside the traditional classroom, making graduation requirements more attainable for students with diverse interests and strengths.
Bridges School and Workforce. The inclusion of internships and trade experiences helps students gain real-world skills and exposure to potential career paths, potentially making them better prepared for employment or further education after high school.
Increases Flexibility for Schools and Students. The law empowers the state education commissioner to set rules for what counts as "practical experience," giving schools flexibility to tailor programs that reflect local job markets and student needs.
Promotes Equity and Engagement. For students who may not thrive in conventional academic settings, this approach offers alternate ways to demonstrate mastery and stay engaged in their education, which could reduce dropout rates and increase post-graduation opportunities.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Credit for Real-World Experience
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Credit for Real-World Experience
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor Alicia Hyndman
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
344
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by Sen. FELDER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to providing academic credit toward a high school diploma for practical experience
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 305 of the education law is amended by adding a new subdivision 57 to read as follows:
57. Notwithstanding any rule of the regents to the contrary, the commissioner shall promulgate rules providing academic credit, which shall be utilized in the awarding of all types of high school diplomas, for practical experience received by students while in high school. Subject to the rules of the commissioner, practical experience may be deemed to satisfy requirements for successful completion of an academic course of instruction, related to such experience, which is necessary for the awarding of a high school diploma. Practical experience shall include internships and other learning experiences which occur outside of school, and which provide experience and knowledge in an academic discipline or a trade.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of September next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02618-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to providing academic credit toward a high school diploma for practical experience
Purpose
To allow high school students interested in gaining outside work experi- ence the opportunity to do so while earning credit towards graduation.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. of the bill amends sections 305 of the education law by adding a new subdivision 57 that provides for the commissioner to create rules for earning academic credit for practical experience toward all types of high school diplomas. These credits shall include internships and other learning experiences that occur outside of school that relate to experience and knowledge in an academic discipline or trade.
Justification
In the current job market, employers want experienced applicants. However, many high school graduates are not given credit for any type of training or hands-on experience during their primary education. Currently, NYS high schools have a focus on college readiness, but students who are interested in other career paths are not always provided an opportunity or incentive to acquire practical experience. This legislation will complement the current job market by allowing high school students to earn credits for meaningful work experience in hopes of better preparing them to enter the workforce.
Legislative history
2017/2018: S.2104 - Passed Senate Both Years 2016:S.2471 - Passed Senate
Fiscal implications
Undetermined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first September next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.